A woman from Newcastle-under-Lyme completed a 100km walk to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in her memory just weeks after losing her mum to the disease.

Gemma Simpson, 41, took on the Peak District Ultra Challenge on 4 to 5 July, as part of a fundraising effort inspired by her mum, Lynne Davies, who died on 18 June following a three-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Gemma, and her friends Laura, Dani and Gemma, originally signed up for the endurance event across the Peak District National Park while her mum was still alive, with Lynne looking forward to watching her daughter cross the finish line.

What began as a fundraising challenge soon became something much more personal.

Gemma said: "Watching my mum battle MND was the hardest thing I've ever experienced. Through it all, she never lost her smile, her strength, or the unconditional love she had for her children. She showed me what real courage looks like.

"Completing the 100km Peak Ultra Challenge wasn't just about finishing a walk. It was my way of honouring her, remembering everything she went through, and saying thank you for everything she gave me. Whenever I wanted to stop, I thought about her and kept going."

Lynne's illness began with what the family initially believed was a problem with her finger, possibly carpal tunnel syndrome. However, after six months of tests, she was diagnosed with MND, a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain and nerves.

Despite the diagnosis, Lynne remained positive and resilient, yet over time, the disease gradually took away her independence.

Lynne, who had a long career as a nurse, was eventually unable to climb the stairs in her home and later required a bed downstairs following a lengthy stay in hospital.

It was during this difficult period that Gemma decided she wanted to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, which had already provided crucial support to her mum and the wider family by supplying equipment including a specialist chair that enabled Lynne to sleep more comfortably and an iPad to assist her communication as the disease progressed.

By completing the challenge, Gemma has so far raised £4,764 on her Just Giving page - smashing the target of £1,000.

Gemma added: "This challenge was for you, Mum. I hope I made you proud. Your strength will always inspire me, and your love will stay with me every step of the way."

The setting of The Peak District was also meaningful to Gemma as it was Lynne's favourite place and where she requested her ashes be scattered.

Gemma's three close friends immediately agreed to join the Challenge, with the team taking on the name 'Lynne's Leggy Ladies' after asking Lynne herself to help choose it.

Lynne was excited to see the challenge unfold and took great pride in what the group was attempting.

Although she desperately wanted to see her daughter cross the finish line, Lynne's health deteriorated rapidly in the days before the event. She died aged 63 at home surrounded by her family, including Gemma and her brothers, on 18 June.

Despite her grief, Gemma knew she still wanted to complete the challenge.

To ensure her mum remained part of the journey, she arranged for the team's fundraising shirts to be updated to include both the team name and a photograph of Lynne.

On the Challenge weekend, Gemma and her friends successfully completed the full 100km route through the Peak District, carrying Lynne's memory with them every step of the way.

Adding to the emotional significance of the achievement, Lynne's funeral took place just two days after Gemma completed the Challenge.

Gemma's story was one of thousands from this year's Peak District Ultra Challenge, which saw around 3,000 participants take on distances ranging from 10 miles to 100km while raising money for charitable causes across the UK.

To find out more about taking part in fundraising events with Ultra Challenge, visit the website here.